Eat with the fingers, drink with the nose.

-JOSEPH DELTEIL, writer

Wine makes a symphony of a good meal.

-FERNANDE GARVIN, chef and writer

Quaintest thoughts, queerest fancies come to life and fade away. What care I how time advances; I am drinking ale today.

-EDGAR ALLAN POE, writer

Without question the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.

-DAVE BARRY, comedian and writer

The French Medaille de la Resistance (Resistance Medal) was awarded by General Charles de Gaulle "to recognise the remarkable acts of faith and of courage that, in France, in the empire and abroad, have contributed to the resistance of the French people against the enemy and against its accomplices since June 18, 1940".

The French Medal of Resistance was given to approximately 44,000 living persons and 20,000 posthumously, awarded both for membership of the Free French force and for participation in the metropolitan clandestine Resistance during the German occupation of France in World War II.

The medal is held by red and black cloth with the Cross of Lorraine and the date of the beginning of the German occupation of France in Roman figures: XVIII.VI.MCMXL (18 June 1940). On the reverse are the words "PATRIA NON IMMEMOR" (the fatherland does not forget"). The medal was also awarded to 21 army units, 14 Navy units, 6 towns, schools and hospitals, and to 9 others (including convents).

French Country comes to Paris

"How can anyone govern a country with more than 500 cheeses?" Charles de Gaulle is said to have asked in exasperation at a particularly difficult political moment. The answer for everyone hoping to do so? Press the flesh--that is, the flesh of cows, horses, sheep, goats, mules...and voters, as French President Nicholas Sarkozy was trying to do on February 23 opening day--at the Salon d'Agriculture. In this 9 day-long event, hundreds of varieties of farm animals and thousands of farm products descend with their proprietors to the expo halls at the Porte de Versailles, a confusing conglomeration of buildings. But even these impersonal spaces are brought to life during...dare we call it a farm expo? If you're thinking of visiting and you really want to get more than a superficial glimpse into French culture, I can't recommend a better time to come than during the Salon d'Agriculture in late winter. Air fares are at their cheapest, and love of terroir at a fever pitch.

Musee de la Sculpture en Plein Air

Open-air Sculpture Museum is located on the left bank of the Seine on Quai Saint-Bernard Paris. Dedicated in 1980, this outdoor museum borders the seine and is filled with sculptures that highlight the art movements of the last fifty years. Fans of Brancusi, Gillioli, and Cesar should not miss this artistic area. It's free always open and a great spot to bring un pique-nique while enjoying the vistas.